Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator Job Description

As a Forklift Operator, you handle inbound and outbound materials, load and unload trucks, pick full pallets, and put product away in a large, semi‑climate‑controlled distribution warehouse that supports chocolate manufacturing operations. You work on a structured shift schedule (day or night) using stand up and high‑reach forklifts, reach trucks, electric pallet jacks, and RF scanners while maintaining high quality standards for FDA‑regulated products.

Responsibilities

• Operate stand up forklifts, high‑reach trucks, and electric pallet jacks to safely move, stack, and store pallets throughout the warehouse.

• Perform inbound and outbound activities including loading and unloading trucks, receiving goods, and staging products for shipment.

• Pick full pallets and dedicated case orders accurately, using RF scanners and inventory systems to ensure correct product selection and placement.

• Put product away in designated locations, maintaining organized, efficient, and compliant storage of FDA‑regulated materials.

• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Check orders and shipments for accuracy, identify and correct mistakes, and prioritize quality over quantity in all picking and handling tasks.

• Use basic math skills to verify counts, reconcile inventory, and support accurate shipping, receiving, and warehouse documentation.

• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work area, complying with all safety guidelines and equipment operation standards.

• Use SAP or similar inventory systems and RF scanners to track product movement, update inventory records, and support efficient warehouse operations.

• Lift and move items up to 50 lbs as needed to support loading, unloading, picking, and stocking activities.

• Demonstrate reliable attendance and stable work habits to support consistent shift coverage and performance expectations.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating stand up forklifts, including Crown stand up and high‑reach equipment, in a warehouse environment.

• Ability to safely operate reach trucks and electric pallet jacks (EPJ) for material handling and pallet movement.

• Hands‑on experience loading and unloading trucks and working with inbound and outbound shipments in shipping and receiving.

• Strong RF scanner skills and basic computer proficiency to support inventory tracking and order selection.

• Ability to perform dedicated case picking, pallet picking, and order selecting with a high level of accuracy.

• Basic math skills to verify quantities, perform counts, and support accurate inventory and shipping documentation.

• Capacity to lift and move up to 50 lbs on a regular basis as part of warehouse and material handling duties.

• High attention to detail and ability to spot mistakes, particularly when working with FDA‑regulated products.

• Commitment to following GMPs and SOPs to maintain product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Stable and reliable work history demonstrating consistent performance and dependable attendance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in a regulated environment.

• Experience working in warehouse, shipping, receiving, and distribution operations.

• SAP or other inventory system experience to support product tracking and warehouse management.

• Comfort working in a semi‑climate‑controlled environment where product temperature must be maintained.

• Strong focus on quality, with the ability to prioritize accuracy over speed when handling and picking products.

Why Work Here?

You join a modern, newer facility that emphasizes safety, employee engagement, and long‑term growth. The organization offers 12 paid holidays, your birthday off, low‑cost benefits, a 401(k) plan, and annual raises. As you progress from Level 1 to Level 3 based on performance and attendance, you receive additional pay increases. The culture promotes recognition and connection through employee events, parties, giveaways, and more, creating a positive and supportive work environment.

Work Environment

You work in a large, brand‑new, 500,000‑square‑foot distribution warehouse with approximately 40 employees. The facility is semi‑climate controlled, with air conditioning in the summer and no heat in the winter to keep products below a required temperature. The site serves as a distribution hub for chocolate manufacturing, including roasted beans, chocolate liquor, powders, and cocoa butter. Shifts are structured as extended day or night schedules: day shift options include 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday with every other Wednesday, or Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with every other Wednesday; night shift options include 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on similar rotating schedules, as well as a 7:00 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday dedicated case picker shift. You operate forklifts, reach trucks, electric pallet jacks, and RF scanners in a clean, safe, and well‑organized warehouse environment focused on quality and compliance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bethlehem, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bethlehem,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.